Got my cables today, it was very nice to see the RCA -> phono cable included. Thanks Mitch!

I got a question though which I know was discussed, but hope you can help me out. I haven't used the stock antenna on my car for ages (it was damaged internally, and I just unplugged the motor connection to it). I know that a nice full-length antenna would be best, but is there a way I can use an amplified antenna or one of those stick-on windshield ones (that I can put on my rear glass)?

If you want to try a stick-on windshield one I have one available LOL.

Seriously, since your car came with a stock one, I would get a replacement or aftermarket one to fix it. You'll get the best performance with it. My car only had dual (diversity) glass antennas that work pretty well but I know a real external antenna would be better.

04-22-2009, 12:32 PM

Sonicxtacy02

wow after a year of troubleshooting the radio, moving antennas and wires i had given up on getting better reception outta my directed unit. Today i switch from a cased intel d201gly mobo to an UNCASED intel dg45fc and my reception has improved 10 fold! All of the local stations come in now whereas before i had MAYBE 4 on a good day. Wish i knew the reason behind it.

04-22-2009, 02:00 PM

mitchjs

HOW MANY TIMES HAVE I SAID IT
KEEP THE TUNER FAR AWAY FROM THE PC
NEVER EXTEND THE CAR's ANTENNA LEAD MORE THEN 3 FEET

RFI
RFI
RFI

04-22-2009, 02:04 PM

Sonicxtacy02

Quote:

Originally Posted by mitchjs

HOW MANY TIMES HAVE I SAID IT
KEEP THE TUNER FAR AWAY FROM THE PC
NEVER EXTEND THE CAR's ANTENNA LEAD MORE THEN 3 FEET

RFI
RFI
RFI

PC's in the trunk tuners in the dash. They couldnt be more further apart. It has to be something about that particular board that feeds out RFI.

04-22-2009, 02:36 PM

mitchjs

good boy, yea, could be alot of RFI on that last board...
make sure pc is in METAL grounded case
anything to reduce RFI

also some amplifers produce RFI, and trash AM reception

04-23-2009, 07:28 PM

strikeback03

OK, my cable has worked before, but now when I try and use software to control it (Centrafuse or HD Radio PCR) it says it can't find the radio. Checking the COM port in Device Manager doesn't claim any conflicts. Plugging in the control unit that comes with the Directed tuner allows it to work properly. What else is there to troubleshoot?

04-23-2009, 07:47 PM

mitchjs

i always say try another computer!!

does it click when hdradio pcr runs?

04-24-2009, 09:38 AM

strikeback03

I don't own any other computers with a serial port.

Fortunately turns out that having the on-screen keyboard open prevents the HD Radio on COM 1 from working. Dos that work by faking a serial keyboard on COM 1 or something?

Fortunately turns out that having the on-screen keyboard open prevents the HD Radio on COM 1 from working. Dos that work by faking a serial keyboard on COM 1 or something?

Do you mean the Serial Mouse maybe? Ive never heard of that (Serial Keyboard). You may have to buy the USB kit in the MP3Car Store. When I bought my MoBo I mad sure it had at least 1 Serial port, infact it has 4. Im not sure on your setup but there may be a header on the MoBo to add a serial port.